They say in real estate it's all about location, location, location.  I think this is also true for artists when they are selecting studio space.  Let me clarify something...I think it's important if you're going to use your studio as both a workspace and a gallery space, cutting out the middle man in the sales process.  One artist who seems to know the importance of location is David Castle (www.davidcastleart.com).  Not only does he look at the address of the studio, but he thinks about how he can get noticed even when he's not there.

Last month David opened a new studio a block off Santa Fe's art district on Inca right off 8th Ave.  The address is 800 W. 8th Ave, but don't be deceived...the entrance is on Inca.  What I love about the space is that the studio is in the front of the building.  Not only does David get the opportunity to have natural light come in due to the large windows, but when he's not there passersby can see his work because of his street access.

This isn't the first time that David has taken this into consideration.  I remember his first studio on Market had the same set up.  His studio was in the front of a gallery and although there probably wasn't a lot of walking traffic, the studio could be seen from the street. 

Having this type of set-up allows David to market his work 24/7.  It also gives some interest to the street.  Being off Santa Fe by a block gives him a bit of quiet, except during First Friday, but I think that will change as more people see his work splashing color out into the neighborhood.

Prospecting for window space...
Greg

coaching artists to create successful and sustainable art businesses